Welcome to our forum. We hope you enjoy yourself here. Feel free to participate in all discussions, but keep in mind, posting here is a privilege not a right! Respect our rules and have fun.

These rules are incomplete. Each new rule is added as the necessity for it arises, so bear in mind that just because something isn't on this list doesn't mean you can do it. Apply your common sense and basic respect and everything will be fine.

The Rules

1. Posting in Any Language Other Than English Is Not Allowed2. Express Yourself Clearly, Coherently and Concisely. 3. Stay on Topic4. Write Descriptive Titles5. Do Not Neglect Spelling, Capitalization, Grammar and Punctuation6. Keep Private Messages Private7. WRITING IN ALL CAPS MEANS SHOUTING! Please don't.8. Respect Each Other and Each Other's Opinions9. Public Discussion of the Forum Rules is Not Allowed10. Banning - 3 Warnings and You're Out!11. A New Thread Must Be Started in the Appropriate Category12. Public Discussion of the Moderators' Actions is Not Allowed13. Quote Only The Relevant Parts of Previous Posts

1. Posting in Any Language Other Than English Is Not AllowedThis forum is intended for English speakers, and all posts must be accessible to all users. For this reason posts in other languages are not allowed.

2. Express Yourself Clearly, Coherently and ConciselyWhile this forum supports and promotes a free flow of ideas, please make sure that your thoughts are easily comprehendible also to other forum members. In other words, write clearly, coherently and concisely.

3. Stay on TopicWhen posting in an existing thread, please avoid off-topic posts. Non-related posts may be deleted by the Moderators. Remember, you can always start a new thread, dealing with a new topic.

4. Write Descriptive TitlesPlease write titles that are descriptive of your post's content/topic. Here are more specific rules about writing titles, please be sure to follow them as we strive to make this forum as user-friendly as possible.

5. Do Not Neglect Spelling, Capitalization, Grammar, and PunctuationWe insist very strongly that users do their best when writing posts and titles. We understand that many of the visitors are not native English speakers, but neither are we. We do not expect perfect spelling and grammar. We simply wish that each person would do his best when writing. Our goal is to make the content of the forum clear and easily accessible to everyone who visits.

6. Keep Private Messages PrivatePlease do not post messages that are not related to the topic of the thread, and are of no interest to the general public. Private messages should be sent privately.

7. WRITING IN ALL CAPS MEANS SHOUTING!You are allowed to SHOUT, YELL AND SCREAMMMMM every once in a while, but regular posts written in all caps will not be accepted. Also, DO NOT WRITE YOUR POST TITLES IN ALL CAPS!

8. Respect Each Other and Each Other's OpinionsThis goes without saying, but if it is still not clear enough: respect each other and other's opinions and thoughts. Arguing is allowed, degrading each other and using offensive language are NOT.

9. Public Discussion of the Forum Rules is Not AllowedIf you feel that there is a rule that needs to be changed, or a rule that is missing, please contact a moderator or the admin privately. We do not allow public discussion of the forum rules.

10. Banning - 3 Warnings and You're Out!This is a private community, much like a private home. Those who do not respect our rules have no place here.

11. A New Thread Must Be Started in the Appropriate CategoryIt is my intention for the content of this forum to be as organized as possible for the convenience of the readers and members. Therefore, please make sure to select the correct forum category before starting a new topic/thread.

12. Public Discussion of the Moderators' Actions is Not AllowedIf you feel that there is a moderator whose actions are inappropriate, please contact another moderator or the admin privately. We do not allow public discussion of the moderator's actions.

13. Quote Only The Relevant Parts of Previous PostsThis is a guideline regarding the Quote function. Whenever you're quoting a post that already exists in the thread, please quote only the parts that are relevant to your reply. Avoid quoting previous posts in their entirety, especially if the post you are referring to is the last post at time of your reply. This is important, in order to save in bandwidth, DB size and visual space.

**************************Concise (adjective) - short and clear, expressing what needs to be said without unnecessary words

Last edited by erict on Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:55 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Not quite sure where to post this , so sorry if in wrong subject place. Love this discussion community ,and answers from the moderators always clear and helpful, but would love to know the history behind the setting up of this forum. How did it start ? how did moderators become moderators ? sorry if i,m being nosy but just had to ask.

Eric and heidi were the originators and created the rules...perhaps they can provide more details. I am the most recently appointed moderator, and was asked to join by the others. I can't say how WW and kiki were appointed, but all have been helpful to me.

Andy

A person is not a thing or a process, but an opening through which the universe manifests. - Martin Heidegger
There is not past, no future; everything flows in an eternal present. - James Joyce